Kendra and Jamie had irresponsible, wealthy parents who ignored them most of the time. Kendra was only nine when Jamie was born, and until Jamie ran away from home when she was seventeen, her older sister was the only mother figure in her life. Jamie became a drug addict living on the streets, but when she realized she was pregnant she checked herself into rehab and cleaned up her act. She has two precious little girls -- by different men -- and is a promising architect. She has gifted Isaac and Kendra plans for their new house in the Shenandoah Valley that is alongside the cabin she designed and is now habitable. Jamie has become part of Kendra's life again, and wants to give her sister and her husband, Isaac, a gift from her heart. Kendra Taylor is unable to carry a baby to term, and Jamie wants to be a surrogate for her.

The in vitro transfer is a success! Jamie Dunkirk, her girls -- the pragmatic Hannah, age eight, and perpetual motion Alison, age six -- move to the Valley and live in the guest cabin until the baby is born. Cash Rosslyn, the building contractor overseeing the new house, soon becomes a part of the Dunkirk ladies' lives, and they all think he hung the moon. He introduces them to his "Granny" Grace, who gets Kendra involved in quilting. When things are too good to be true, something bad is usually lurking around the corner. Jamie keeps a dangerous secret from everyone she loves, including Cash and Grace, which could cost her her life.

SISTER'S CHOICE is one of the most beautiful stories this reviewer has read in a long time. Emilie Richards is a personal favorite of mine, and over the years her writing has gone from very good to most excellent. Ms. Richards produces real characters that the reader cares about, and places them in locations you would like to visit. This moving story illustrates the strength of love, forgiveness, and selflessness. While SISTER'S CHOICE is a continuing story in the Shenandoah Album series, it definitely stands alone. This special book is one of the best women's contemporary novels you might read this year, and one that you will recommend to all of your friends.

Book Summary

With nine years and a turbulent childhood between them, Kendra and Jamie have never been storybook sisters. After a long estrangement, they've finally begun to heal their hurts and forge a new bond.

Now Jamie is offering a gift Kendra has long since given up hoping for, the fondest wish of her heart--a baby. Already raising two young girls on her own, Jamie wants to become a gestational surrogate for Kendra and her husband, Isaac, giving birth to a child the husband and wife have created together. Despite some lingering misgivings about her once-wayward younger sister's commitment, Kendra agrees, and soon Jamie is pregnant.

In addition to this amazing gift of life, Jamie has designed a new house for Kendra and Isaac and is overseeing its construction on Isaac's ancestral property along the Shenandoah River, with the help of Cash Rosslyn, one of the most attractive men Jamie has known. By giving her sister both a home and a family, Jamie hopes to prove to Kendra that she deserves absolution for her past mistakes. But when a medical crisis threatens her health and her promising new relationship with Cash, Jamie learns that the most difficult choice in her life is yet to come... and its cost may be beyond calculation.